The Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) has asked pilgrims who performed the 2022 Hajj with the Board to visit the Olodo Hajj Camp in Ibadan for processing of money to be refunded to them.
The chairman of the Board, Professor Sayed Malik who made the call during a post-Hajj press briefing held at the Hajj camp, Olodo Ibadan explained that the refund would be effected after necessary deductions on contingencies have been made from the account department and asked the pilgrims to come with their various payment receipts.
While explaining that the refund was in line with transparency and accountability, Professor Malik also disclosed that despite initial hitches, Oyo State pilgrims recorded no casualty during the pilgrimage as all 641 pilgrims who performed the 2022 Hajj in Makkah had returned safely.
The chairman also debunked speculations that the Board short-changed the 2022 pilgrims by not paying them their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA), noting that the initial complaint had been addressed and none of the pilgrims was owed Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA).
Professor Malik equally reiterated the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde to grant full refund to intending pilgrims who were not able to perform the 2022 Hajj without deductions while those of them who intend to use their money for 2023 Hajj will be first considered without additional payment next year.
The Professor of Arabic noted that the inadequacies experienced during the Hajj operation were not peculiar to Oyo State only as they were experienced by the intending pilgrims in other states of the Federation, stressing that it was worse in other states.
“This is why the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has to tender apology to the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the Tour Operators.” He stated.
The Board also urged all the intending pilgrims who have left their passport with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to come to the Olodo Hajj camp for the collection and appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his moral and financial support in making the 2022 Hajj operation successful.
Professor Malik also expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde-led government for the moral and financial supports.
“The success recorded in this year’s Hajj operation could not have been possible without the support we received from His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde.” The Chairman stated.